The USA national basketball team has announced that Rudy Gay has been added to the Team USA roster ahead of the World Cup of Basketball.
The Sacramento Kings forward was brought into the squad after NBA MVP Kevin Durant withdrew from the team, citing mental and physical exhaustion.
Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo told ESPN: "We both felt he would be a valuable addition because of his outstanding skills and the fact that he is so familiar with USA Basketball and our national team program.
"Rudy has been an integral member of USA Basketball since 2005 and was a tremendous contributor to our 2010 world championship team. He has a lot of equity in the USA Basketball national team."
Gay added: "I am extremely excited to once again be part of Team USA and its rich tradition. I can't wait to join my teammates in Chicago and work hard to make certain the USA takes home the gold in Spain."
The World Cup gets underway on August 30.
Sian Cowper
